By Susan LangenhennigFashion writer
Customers perusing the Michael Kors collection at Mimi boutique on Magazine Street recently got a little shock while they were shopping.

The "Project Runway" star and renowned fashion designer popped in April 19 unannounced to visit his longtime friend Mimi Bowen, owner of the boutique, and to greet customers.

Kors was in town with a group of his design team and friends. He stayed at the Soniat House and dined at some of the city's best restaurants.

Kors has made no secret that he is enamored with our city's charms. He was featured in an October 2004 Travel + Leisure story about one of his trips to New Orleans.

During his recent visit, Bowen joined Kors and his group for dinner and "closed down Galatoire's."

"He loves New Orleans," said Bowen, who has known the designer for years. "He's so down-to-earth. (When he came to the store) he was wearing a white T-shirt, linen shorts and thong sandals. Customers freaked out."

One of his best local customers, Banana Reily, joined Kors for dinner. "She has pieces from nearly every one of his collections," Bowen said.

A fashion industry heavyweight long before he became a reality TV show judge, Kors, according to recent news reports, is still in talks with Project Runway for its fifth season. The hit show recently moved from the Bravo network to Lifetime.